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Administrative Rules of the Unified Court System & Uniform Rules of the Trial Courts
Rules of the Chief Judge
|PART 34. Guidelines For New York State Court Facilities
34.0 Court facilities
Section 34.0 Court facilities.
In the exercise of responsibility for supervision of the administration and operation of the Unified Court System, the Chief Administrator of the Courts shall encourage, whenever possible and insofar as practicable, compliance with the guidelines for New York State court facilities set forth below.
I.1: Safety: Court facilities should have structural design, building materials, methods of construction and fire rating as required by local or state building codes that are applicable in the locality.
Court facilities should have fire alarms, fire extinguisher systems, means of egress and emergency exits as required by applicable building and fire codes.
The use of court facilities should conform, to the extent required, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards of the U.S. Department of Labor for public buildings.
I.2: Emergency Planning and Evacuation Procedures: Court facilities should have established procedures for the evacuation of facilities in case of fire or bomb threats, a system of communication in case of an emergency and the appointment of wardens to conduct fire drills at regular intervals. In addition, there should be safety officers to assure that required safety measures are established and followed at all times. A multicourt facility should have one safety officer with responsibility for the entire facility.
Court facilities should be accessible to the physically handicapped as required by Article 15 of the State's Executive Law and accepted architectural standards.
GUIDELINE III: ENVIRONMENT [FNa1]
III.1: Overall Appearance: Court facilities should have an overall appearance of dignity and efficiency.
The appearance of court facilities affects the attitude of litigants, attorneys, the public and court employees. Therefore, court facilities should be continuously well maintained.
III.2: Adequate Facilities and Areas: Court facilities should provide the required number of courtrooms, chambers, jury deliberation rooms, attorney/client conference rooms, clerical and other offices of adequate size as set forth below in these guidelines. An inadequate number of facilities delays the administration of justice.
III.3: Heating, Cooling and Humidity: Design should emphasize energy conservation. Court facilities should follow the standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
III.4: Ventilation: A fresh, contaminant-free air supply should be provided. ASHRAE standards should be followed.
III.5: Lighting: Court facilities should have adequate lighting levels that comply with the standards set by the Illuminating Engineering Society. Consideration should be given to energy conservation.
III.6: Color Scheme and Contrast: The color scheme should be sober and dignified, the colors easy to maintain. The following level of color contrast is suggested:
. Courtrooms
Low contrast
. Offices, jury rooms, conference rooms, chambers
Medium contrast
. Public lobbies, conference rooms, storage areas
Heavy contrast
III.7: Acoustics: Court facilities should provide a comfortable acoustical environment suitable for public trials, hearings, office work and research.
. There should be no vibration noise
due to mechanical systems (heating, air-conditioning, elevators,
plumbing, creaky staircases, doors, windows and mechanical
Prisoner detention areas and prisoner travel path should provide clear and maximum vision for easy supervision of detainees.
III.9: Confidentiality: Functions which require a considerable degree of confidentiality--such as jury deliberation; attorney/client conferences; attorney/defendant interviews; conferences with judges, clerks and probation officers; and adoption proceedings--should be housed in private rooms.
III.10: Cleaning and Maintenance: Court facilities should be clean and hygienic. Floor, wall, ceiling, door and window components should be devoid of deterioration and in working condition. Electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems should be maintained in an operating condition.
IV.1: Exterior of the Building: The building should clearly be designated as a courthouse. If there are one or more courtrooms within a building housing other functions, it is particularly important that the existence of these courtrooms is made clear in a place easily seen by the public.
IV.2: Directory: Prominently displayed just within the main doors should be a building directory, bilingual where appropriate. There should be a listing of the location of courtrooms, court-related services, and ancillary agencies. If the courthouse functions are spread among a number of buildings, the courtroom services and the addresses of (and directions to) the other buildings should be posted.
IV.3: Door and Wall Signs: Signs should be posted at the door to each courtroom clearly identifying that part. In addition, directional wall signs, bilingual where appropriate, should be used in buildings where long corridors or confusing layouts indicate they would be useful.
IV.4: Information Service: Where possible, there should be information desks strategically placed in public areas of the courthouse and staffed where necessary by bilingual personnel to direct defendants and their friends and relatives, witnesses, jurors, and spectators to their destinations.
Where personnel are not available to establish such a service, consideration should be given to employing well-trained citizen volunteers.
If such a service is not established, there should be an office, such as that of the Court Clerk, designated as the place for the public to receive information and have their questions answered. Such public information offices should be clearly marked as such, and should be listed in the directory.
IV.5: Posting of Calendars: Copies of all daily part calendars in that courthouse should be posted at a central location, and each courtroom should have that room's calendar posted immediately outside.
V.1: When to Build a New Courthouse: Building a new courthouse should be considered when:
A. The existing structure needs replacement because of structural and other deterioration which would require more financing to remedy than would be needed for a new courthouse.
B. The existing needs for court facilities far exceed those that can be accommodated in the existing structure even with extensive renovation.
C. Expansion of the existing structure to accommodate present and projected future needs cannot be accomplished by building an addition to the existing structure.
D. The space and facility needs of the courts in conjunction with the needs of other governmental agencies would be best met by building a new structure.
E. Where court facilities are substantially located in leased spaces and where it would be more cost-effective to house them in a new publicly-owned structure.
F. Where the historic landmark status or the structure prohibits suitable renovations of the existing courthouse.
V.2: Recycling of Existing Structures: New Court facilities may be created by renovating existing structures, such as schools, commercial structures, warehouses or hospitals, as long as the existing structure allows functional layout and design of court facilities with appropriate internal and external symbolism and aesthetic qualities appropriate for a courthouse.
V.3: Long-Term Court Needs: New court facilities should be built to accommodate current and projected needs over the period of the expected life of the new structure. The space and facility needs should be based, wherever possible, on projection of workload, the number of people required to carry out the workload and the space required to house these people.
V.4: Multipurpose Use, Time-Sharing and Flexibility: The translation of projected space and facility needs into a building program should take into account multiple use of facilities, time-sharing of facilities, and inbuilt flexibility of use of spaces.
A. The total number of large courtrooms should be based on the absolute number of full-time, year-round requirements for court parts that have a need for a large public seating capacity (between 100-120).
B. The number of small courtrooms should be based on the total projected needs of all the courts to be housed in the building. No courtroom should be so small that it cannot be converted to properly accommodate a 16-person jury box in its well area.
C. Courtrooms should be so located on the floor as to allow separate prisoner access to all the courtrooms, if so required, in the future.
D. Where judges' chambers are located on the same floor in close proximity to the courtrooms, separate robing and conference rooms adjacent to the courtrooms are not required.
E. The number of jury deliberation rooms to be provided should be based on the current and projected future jury trial rate within the jurisdiction, but that number should not be less than the jury trial rate throughout the State. One jury deliberation room for each courtroom may not be required.
F. The number of attorney/client conference rooms, waiting rooms, and alternate jurors waiting rooms should be based on the principle of shared use of rooms.
G. The prisoner holding facilities adjacent to courtrooms should allow the separation of males and females.
H. Prisoner holding facilities adjacent to courtrooms should provide for at least one secure attorney/defendant interview room.
I. Large multi-courtroom facilities proposed for construction or major renovation should take into account, to the extent feasible, the need for attorneys' waiting rooms, accessible law libraries, public waiting areas, public address systems in public areas, jurors' areas, and designated eating areas for cafeteria facilities.
V.5: Transportation/Accessibility: The courthouse site should be convenient to transportation of the public, attorneys and prisoners.
V.6: Proximity to Court-Related Agencies: The courthouse site should be in close proximity to other related agency locations such as District Attorney's offices, probation offices and County Clerks' offices.
V.7: Separate Building Blocks: Consideration should be given to building two separate blocks - one for courtrooms and ancillary spaces, which require higher ceilings, and the other to accommodate office- type functions with lower ceilings. If appropriately connected to each other, these could lend themselves to the design and installation of cost-effective systems for heating, cooling, security and maintenance, at the same time providing vertical expansion in the future, if required.
V.8: Site Layout, Parking and Landscaping: The site layout should, where feasible, take into account parking needs of court users. Consideration should be given to the security of the parking areas and the separate entrances to the courthouse. The site layout should provide for aesthetically planned, but easy to maintain, grounds and landscape of the surrounding area.
V.9: Character of Building Design and Symbolism: The new courthouse design should project the traditional values of symbolism and retain the character of the area by using appropriate materials and fenestration.
V.10: Placement of Related Functions: Within the building, the functions that require heavy public access, such as clerks' offices and jury assembly area, should be placed on the main and lower floors to minimize the use of elevators, to allow closing off of the upper floors when not in use, and to allow zoning of the heating and cooling systems which can be shut off when the other floors are not in use. By providing clerical space for all courts in the structure on the same or adjacent floors, greater flexibility should be achieved in the allocation of space for clerical functions of different courts. Space can be saved by combining public areas for clerks' offices and photocopying, mail, supplies and general storage areas of all courts. Space can also be saved by allowing flexible use of secondary spaces for record storage by all courts.
V.11: Use of Building Components Offering Flexibility: The design of building components such as nonload-bearing partitions, doors, electrical fixtures, ceiling and floor finishes into integrated systems should allow flexibility in rearranging spaces.
V.12: Choice of Building Materials: Building materials should be chosen for cost-effective maintenance, resistance to vandalism, acoustical qualities and safety.
V.13: Separate Circulation Patterns: The layout should provide for a separate pattern of circulation of judges, jurors, prisoners and the public. Spaces and facilities should be appropriately grouped together as secure, private, semi- private and public areas.
The layout should also be readily understandable to users unfamiliar with the facility. This should minimize the need for signs and avoid intrusion of the public into private areas.
VI.1: Entrances: The entrances to the structure should be kept to a minimum. Separate entrances may be necessary for the public, judges, staff, prisoners and court-related agencies. However, the entrances for judges and staff can be provided with key or card access to minimize security staffing needs.
VI.2: Visibility: The plan and design should provide public corridors and spaces with uninterrupted visibility.
VI.3: Layout and Design: The layout should be devised so that there are three separate patterns of circulation: the first for judges, impanelled jurors and the court staff; the second for prisoners; and the third for the public. Such circulation should limit the crossing of paths of these separate groups in order to minimize conflicts and to provide a degree of privacy for judges and jurors.
The courthouse design and layout should delineate public, semi-private, private and secure areas. Private areas would include such areas as judges' chambers or robing rooms, impanelled or sequestered jurors' areas, jury deliberation rooms and secure areas. The semi-private areas would include the clerical offices. The public areas would include such areas as courtrooms, jury assembly areas, public lobbies, corridors and public restrooms.
In the Family Court, all areas except the public lobbies, waiting rooms, public restrooms and public areas of the clerk's office should be delineated as private areas to insure confidentiality of proceedings and records.
VI.4: Staircases: Staircases should be so constructed as to prevent unauthorized access to secure areas on other floors.
VI.5: Zoned Areas: The courthouse design and layout should allow for the locking off of entire areas or floors when not in use.
VI.6: Doors and Windows: The design of windows and doors should deter access without compromising aesthetic, natural light and view considerations. The use of better components at somewhat higher initial cost should be considered in order to provide better security than afforded by traditional windows, doors, locks and keys. The use of impact-resistant glass or plastic material should be considered in strategic locations.
VI.7: Lighting and Signs: There should be proper and adequate lighting at strategic locations.
VI.8: Comprehensive Design Approach: When a group of structures is being designed, or a new structure is being added to a group of existing buildings, the layout should consider the security needs of all the structures as a group to eliminate the need for separate security forces and electronic surveillance systems for each structure.
VII.1: Courtroom - General: The courtroom is one of the most complex design problems of any courthouse, as well as its focal point. Although there are only four (4) basic types of courtrooms--non- jury, civil, criminal and appellate--a large variety of court-room layouts are used. Hearing rooms are less formal courtrooms.
All public courtrooms should have two major functional areas:
i) The well area should provide for the active participants in the judicial proceeding, and
ii) The public area should provide seating for jurors to be empanelled, attorneys waiting for their cases and the public.
The well area and the public area should be divided by a 3-foot high rail with gates or openings at appropriate places.
The public area should be large enough to accommodate jurors to be empanelled, the attorneys waiting for their cases and the public. In jury trial courtrooms the public seating capacity should not be less than 20.
All courtrooms require a minimum of two and a maximum of four entry/exit points. In a jury courtroom, where possible, an entry/exit point should be provided that allows jurors to avoid mixing with the public. Juries should also be seated at an appropriate distance from the public rail in courtrooms. The judge should have separate direct access to the bench. The public and attorneys should also have an entry/exit point that leads through or by a public seating area. In criminal courtrooms, where possible, a separate entry/exit point should be provided for prisoners away from the bench and the jury box.
Newly constructed or renovated courtrooms in jurisdictions which may wish to hold criminal and civil jury trials in the same courtroom should provide sufficient space in the well area to accommodate a 16-person jury box to handle either criminal or civil cases. (See also guideline V.4 B above.)
Every courtroom should also allow the participants and public to hear all proceedings clearly in normal conversation. Microphones should be used where necessary. (See separate Task Force report on the use of microphones in courtrooms.) The materials used in the courtroom should not produce excessive reverberation or echo. The materials and construction methods used should prevent disruption of court proceedings by outside noise. Where possible, vestibule should be provided at the public entrance to the courtroom or the doors should be soundproof. In existing courtrooms where audibility is poor, microphones should be used. Lighting should be adequate for reading on the work surfaces and for viewing exhibits without producing glare or heat.
The courtroom should have an assigned space for the viewing of exhibits. An exhibit board may be included as an integral part of the courtroom design. If portable stands are to be used, storage space should be provided in an adjacent area, but not necessarily in the courtroom. Coat closets for the public should not be located within the courtroom. Every courtroom should have a working wall clock on the opposite side of the judge's bench.
Where required, adequate electrical outlets and wiring should be provided for the use of audio tapes in evidence, for electronic case processing equipment, for security equipment and for the use of cameras in courtrooms. The basic courtroom design need not be radically changed to accommodate the use of this equipment because the advances in technology are expected to make this equipment unobtrusive.
VII.2: Non-Jury, Public Courtroom (Minimum 600 square feet): The least complicated courtroom type is the non-jury courtroom. Its basic components and requirements are:
-- A minimum well area of 24 feet depth and 20 feet width
-- A judge's bench
. separate exit/entrance
-- A witness stand
. raised 6" or 12" above
floor level
-- A court reporter station
. adjacent to the witness stand
-- A clerk's station
. location next to judge's bench
-- Litigants' tables
. two separate 6' x 3' tables with
at least 3 seats for each table so located as to allow private
-- Spectator seating
. separated by rail from well area
VII.3: Civil Jury Trial Courtroom (Minimum 1200 square feet): Civil courtrooms have components and requirements similar to those in the non-jury courtrooms, with the need for the following spaces as well:
-- A minimum well area of 24 feet depth and 30 feet width
-- Seven-person jury box, requiring
. seating for six jurors and one alternate
in one or two rows, using comfortable arm swivel chairs in
4' x 2' minimum space per juror
-- Fourteen (instead of seven) person jury box with capacity to add additional jurors
. seating for twelve jurors and two to four alternates in two or three rows, using comfortable arm swivel chairs in 4' x 2' minimum per juror
VII.5a: Hearing Rooms in Family Court (600-900 square feet): Family court hearing rooms should have a minimum of 600 square feet in area. The trend towards increased representation and opening of the proceedings to authorized observers may need an area up to 900 square feet. The hearing rooms should be so constructed as to assure the confidentiality of the proceedings both as to sound and vision. The layout and design should satisfy local procedures and degree of formality. Where feasible, separate access and circulation should be provided for persons in custody.
VII.5b: Hearing Rooms for Other Civil Proceedings (Minimum 300 square feet): These should not be less than 300 square feet in area.
The types of courtrooms used in the New York State court system and their minimum square feet requirements are listed in Table 1 below.
VII.6: Table 1
[FN1] These are recommended minimum net areas. Smaller courtrooms
with original
or unusual design may be satisfactory and adequate for local
VIII.1: Robing Room (Minimum 200 square feet): If the judge's chambers are located away from the courtrooms, robing rooms should be provided adjacent thereto. Direct access from the robing room to the bench in the courtroom should be provided. The robing rooms should have a table and chairs where the judge can hold conference with attorneys and parties. A robing room should also have a restroom or private access to judges' restroom.
VIII.2: Jury Deliberation Rooms: Six-Person Jury Deliberation Room (Minimum 200 square feet); Twelve-Person Deliberation Room (Minimum 325 square feet): The jury deliberation room should be adjacent to courtrooms with access through non-public corridors. It should not be accessible to the public and should be so planned as to allow use of the courtrooms for other matters while the jury is deliberating. It should be so constructed as to ensure confidentiality and should include:
. a coat closet
VIII.3: Attorney/Client Conference Room, Witness Waiting Room, Alternate Juror Waiting Room (Minimum 100 square feet - a somewhat large size is recommended to allow flexibility in use): An adequate number of rooms should be provided on each courtroom floor, adjacent to courtrooms and accessible from public waiting areas or from the courtrooms. The rooms should provide convenient access to a telephone. They should be located and furnished to allow them to be also used in other ways.
Note: In larger, high volume courthouses, it may be desirable or feasible to provide for attorneys' waiting rooms, public address systems in public areas, and additional conveniently located telephones. It is also desirable to take into account, to the extent feasible, the particular needs of defense and prosecution attorneys and court related agencies in busy courthouses handling criminal (or juvenile) matters.
VIII.4: Prisoner Holding Facilities Adjacent To Courtroom (Minimum 20 square feet per person, 80 square feet per cell): Courtrooms planned for criminal proceedings should have adjacent prisoner holding facilities planned to allow for separate holding of males and females with adequate privacy. Where feasible, the access to the courtroom should be located away from the bench and the jury box. Access to the central holding area in the courthouse or to the prisoner receiving area of the building should be by secure elevators. Adequate space for the guards should be located so as to allow easy supervision of the prisoners.
Prisoner holding facilities should be provided with a secure alternative means of egress, such as separate staircases, in case of fire. The building materials and methods of construction should comply with appropriate provisions of the New York State Commission of Correction Planning and Design Guidelines for Construction Renovation Programs. Plans for new holding areas are required to be filed with the Commission for approval prior to commencement of construction (Correction Law, section 45[10]).
VIII.5: Secure Attorney/Prisoner Interview Room (Minimum 50 square feet): Prisoner holding facilities next to courtrooms as well as any court supervised central holding facility (if any) in the courthouse should provide secure interview rooms for attorneys to confer with their clients. For busy arraignment courtrooms large holding areas may be necessary and should provide an adequate number of secure interview rooms. The interview rooms should provide for visual surveillance by security personnel and should be so constructed that the conversation between the attorney and his client is private.
VIII.6: Public Waiting Areas Adjacent to Courtroom (Minimum 12 square feet per person): Adequate public waiting areas should be provided adjacent to courtrooms with easy access to public restrooms and telephones. These areas should be easy to maintain and should have such ashtrays and refuse receptacles as are necessary. The courtroom number, name of presiding judge, display of case calendars and emergency exit signs should be clearly visible. Where court procedures prevent wearing of hats and coats in the courtroom, coat racks should be provided.
In Family Courts separate waiting rooms for juveniles and adults are mandatory.
VIII.7: Examination Before Trial Room (Minimum 200 square feet): It is desirable to include an adequate number of Examination Before Trial (EBT) rooms which are accessible from the public area but which can be supervised by the court clerk. These rooms can be used for other purposes when not in use as EBT rooms.
The minimum square foot requirements of courtroom ancillary facilities are listed in Table 2.
VIII.8: Children's Center (Minimum 35 square feet of primary activity space per child exclusive of administrative and ancillary spaces such as staff offices, storage space, bathrooms and hallways, with a minimum total square footage of 150 square feet): A separate, enclosed and safe environment should be provided for children who are in court in connection with matters involving them or their caregivers. The center should be of sufficient size to accommodate a variety of furniture, equipment, toys, books and materials appropriate to the age of the children served, and also should include appropriate storage for such equipment, toys, books and materials, as well as secure storage for children's personal belongings. The center should include toilet facilities and changing tables for children whenever practicable, or such facilities should be otherwise accessible in a nearby restroom.
VIII.9: Table 2
IX.1: Judge's Chambers: The office occupied by the judge (200 square feet minimum) should be located close to the courtrooms or, in large courthouses, on a separate floor. In either case, judge's chambers should be private with as convenient an access to the courtroom as is reasonably possible.
-- The judge's chambers should have:
. a private office and working area
for the judge
IX.2: Judge's Secretary's Office/Reception (Minimum 200 square feet): Located at the public access to the chambers, this office should provide waiting space for visitors and work/storage space for the judge's secretary.
IX.3: Law Clerk's Office (Minimum 150 square feet): The judge's law clerk should have a private office with work area and shelving for a working law library. The law clerk should have easy access to the judge.
IX.4: Central Reception Area (200-300 square feet): In larger courthouses, if judges' chambers are grouped together on a separate floor or in a separate area, a central reception area should be provided to screen and announce the visitors. Where necessary, security personnel should be present in such an area.
IX.5: Judges' Conference Room (Minimum 20 square feet per person): In larger courthouses, a room may be provided for the judges for conferences and use as a lunchroom. This room should provide a kitchenette and area for a refrigerator and storage.
IX.6: Law Library: In larger courthouses, a central law library should be conveniently located for use by the judges and the legal staff and, where appropriate, for shared use by such attorneys as are active in the courthouse at the time.
IX.7: Judges' Parking: If car parking provisions are possible judges' parking should be so planned as to provide adequate security and direct access to the judges' entrance of the courthouse.
The minimum square foot requirements of judges' facilities are listed in Table 3.
IX.8: Table 3
X.1: Jury Assembly (12-20 square feet per person): Courthouses with three (3) or more jury trial courtrooms should include a juror assembly area adequate in size to accommodate the number of jurors required on an average busy day. The assembly area should be comfortably furnished, with separate restrooms and adequate space designed for appropriate orientation. Separation of smokers and nonsmokers may be advisable.
-- The assembly area should:
. be close to the building entrance,
but separated from public areas
X.2: Jury Impanelling Room - Civil Cases (Minimum 300 square feet for 7-person panel): Jury impanelling rooms should be planned to accommodate up to 20 jurors, attorneys for parties, a table to conduct voir dire, and 7 seats for jurors selected. The impanelling room can double as a waiting room.
X.3: Commissioner of Jurors (Jury Clerk's Office: Depending upon the size of the jury operation, offices are necessary to provide adequate space and offices for the Commissioner of Jurors (or the Jury Clerk) and his staff. The following may be necessary:
. private offices
These offices should be planned as close to the juror assembly areas as possible to allow better utilization of staff resources.
The minimum square foot requirements of juror facilities are listed in Table 4.
X.4 Table 4
XI.1: Clerk's Office: The clerk's office is generally the most visible and heavily used part of the courthouse. It is responsible for processing all documents, keeping records, and answering questions from the public. The clerks' offices should be located near the main entrance of the building but should, to the extent possible, have private access to judges' chambers and the courtrooms.
The clerk's office should include:
-- A public area for waiting/reception (20 square feet per person - minimum 100 square feet)
. a public counter
-- General office area behind counter with no public access
. working desks - 85-95 square feet
per employee
-- Private areas
. offices for chief clerk and assistants
-- Staff facilities as required by law
Table 5 shows the minimum square foot requirements of clerks' offices by title and type of office.
XI.2: Table 5
XII.1: General: Office-type space should be provided for law assistants, law stenographers, court reporters, transcribers and interpreters. In large courthouses a number of personnel of the same title performing similar functions may be housed in one area close to other related functions for ease of supervision and assignments and to provide the required degree of privacy or public accessibility to the group as a whole.
XII.2: Law, Assistant's Office (Minimum 150 square feet per office): Private offices should be provided close to the law library and to the judge's chambers. Law assistants perform legal research on pending cases and, therefore, the location of their offices should provide adequate confidentiality.
XII.3: Law Stenographer's Office (Minimum 80 square feet per person): Law Stenographers type legal memoranda prepared by law assistants on pending cases as well as decisions and rulings rendered by judges in cases before them. Location of their offices should not allow public access. A pool of law stenographers should be housed in a shared space with access to photocopy equipment and lockable short-time storage equipment. A private office for the supervisor may be necessary.
XII.4: Court Reporter's Office (Minimum 100 square feet per office): Court reporters should have the use of offices in which to transcribe testimony.
In locations where electronic recording equipment is used, secure storage space for equipment, and tapes and space for transcribers should be provided.
XII.5: Transcriber's Office (Minimum 60 square feet per person): Semi-private offices usng sound- absorbent cubicles or shared offices should be provided to transcribers close to the court reporters' offices and tape/equipment storage room. Soundproofing may be necessary.
XII.6: Interpreter's Office (Minimum 60 square feet per person): Should the court employ full-time interpreters they should be provided with a designated waiting station.
The minimum area requirements for support staff facilities are listed in Table 6.
XII.7: Table 6
XIII.1: Security Station with First-Aid Facilities(Minimum 160 square feet): Security stations should be located at strategic locations in the courthouse to complement the courthouse security system composed of electronic equipment, if any, and the security personnel. A security station at the main entrance should allow screening of the persons entering the courthouse. A security control station should also be established as a communication center to act in emergencies. The office of the person in charge of security may act as the control station or the command station.
XIII.2: Security Chief's Office (Minimum 120 square feet): The person in charge of security should have a private office which acts as a communications center and a command/control station. Any audio/visual security system should be connected to this station and should be able to be activated from this station in case of emergencies. The security personnel may be required to report here for duty. This office should have a safe for deposit of firearms or confiscated weapons.
XIII.3: Security Personnel Lockers (12 square feet per person): Where a courthouse utilizes uniformed security personnel, secure separate locker spaces should be provided. This facility can be located in secondary spaces (basement or windowless spaces) in the building.
The minimum area requirement of security personnel facilities are listed in Table 7.
XIII.4: Table 7
XIV.1: Public Waiting and Information Spaces: The main entrance lobby and areas outside the courtrooms should be adequate for public waiting. These spaces should also prominently display courthouse directory, directional signs, and court calendars. Adequate public pay telephones should be placed in this area. Access doors to private areas should be clearly marked as private. Unmarked doors and panels should be kept locked. Drinking water fountains should be located in these areas.
XIV.2: Public Restrooms Male/Female (As per building code): Restrooms for public use should be located close to public waiting areas and clearly marked.
XIV.3: Press Room (120 square feet): A room may be set aside for use by media representatives when assigned to the courthouse. Public pay telephones should be located in or close to this room.
XIV.4: Table 8
XIV.5: Eating Facilities: Where other alternatives are not readily accessible, consideration should be given to providing eating facilities for court employees, attorneys, jury members or the public.
[FNa1] Detailed technical criteria may be obtained from the New York State Office of Court Administration.
Historical Note
| Section
34.1 Maintenance and operation standards for court facilities.
(a) The Chief Administrator of the Courts shall require from each political subdivision seeking reimbursement of (1) maintenance and operations costs pursuant to section 54-j(2) of the State Finance Law or (2) workfare administration and supervision expenses pursuant to section 52-j(2-a) of such law a certification that such political subdivision is in compliance with the maintenance and operation standards set forth below. Failure to comply with such standards may result in the loss of reimbursement for maintenance and operation costs. The Chief Administrator also shall require from each political subdivision seeking reimbursement of workfare administration and supervision expenses (1) a certification that it has complied with the provisions of section 54-j(2-a)(d) of the State Finance Law and (2) itemizations of its workfare administration and supervision expenses for the 12-month period concluding September 30, 1994, and for the period for which reimbursement is sought.
(b) A political subdivision may request exemption from one or more of the cleaning frequency schedules or maintenance routines of the maintenance and operation standards. Such request shall be made in writing to the Chief Administrator and may be granted for good cause shown. Exemptions shall be granted for a period of up to two years and may be renewed, upon written request, in the discretion of the Chief Administrator.
(c) Definitions. For the purpose of this Part, the terms below have the following meanings:
(1) Operation consists of those day-to-day services and activities which are necessary to keep the physical plant open and in a usable condition.
(2) Maintenance includes those services, activities and procedures which are concerned with preserving, protecting and keeping buildings, grounds and equipment in a satisfactory state of repair. Included in these activities are some repairs, replacements, renovations and adjustments. Existing court facilities and those which are currently being constructed will require adequate maintenance if they are to function satisfactorily.
(3) Preventive maintenance is a planned schedule for accomplishing required maintenance operations as categorized by the following needs:
(4) Recurring - tasks and jobs which should be performed one or more times each year and should be on a scheduled basis, e.g., floor and furniture care, some types of lawn and grounds maintenance and specialized care of mechanical and heating equipment.
(5) Periodic - tasks and jobs which may need attention less frequently than recurring maintenance. Generally they include repair and renovation items which follow cycles of from three to five years, such as roof repair; repair of window shades, blinds and drapes; weather proofing windows, doors and walls and repairing heating plants.
(6) Replacement - occurs when circumstances create a need for certain types of maintenance at inopportune times, i.e.plumbing leaks.
(7) Repair - improvement tasks that restore broken items by replacing parts or by mending.
(8) Leased space - space which is rented in a privately owned building for use by the court or a court agency.
(9) Utilities - services such as water, sewer, gas and electricity which are required to operate a building.
(10) Hard and resilient flooring - all hard flooring such as concrete, ceramic, terrazzo, brick and marble requires stripping and sealing. All resilient flooring such as vinyl asbestos tile, linoleum, etc., requires several coats of floor finish.
(11) High cleaning - space throughout the facility 70 inches or more from the floor. Includes but is not limited to walls, ceiling area adjacent to ventilating and air conditioning outlets, transoms, clocks, moldings around ceilings, tops of partitions, overhead pipes, pictures, plaques, wall or ceiling diffusers, file cases, bookcases, lockers, etc.
(12) Landscape and grounds maintenance - includes: mowing lawns, power raking, trimming of and around trees, shrubs, fences, monuments, flag poles, walls, etc., fertilizing, mulching, watering, raking leaves, weed, pest and disease control.
(13) Pest control - is defined as those measures which are necessary to suppress the population of arachnids, crawling and flying insects, rats, mice and/or any other species which become a pest within or around the facilities covered by this solicitation/contract.
(14) Facilities management - the total operational responsibility for a facility or group of facilities that includes but is not limited to: maintenance and operations of systems, cleaning, landscape maintenance, trash/debris removal, pest control, and structural and maintenance repairs.
(15) Workfare administration and supervision expenses include (i) the salary and fringe benefit costs to a political subdivision for each person it employs whose duties constitute the supervision of persons who clean and maintain court facilities pursuant to a workfare program provided through the Department of Social Services; and (ii) any other reasonable and necessary administrative costs for the implementation of such a workfare program that may be incurred by a bureau, division or department of a political subdivision that is directly responsible for the maintenance and operation of court facilities.
(d) Section I Operation Standards--Cleaning Tasks and Frequency Schedules.
The abbreviations for the frequency standards are:
D = daily
1. Grounds and building entries.
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
* Painting - Touch Up As Required; Cycle Painting ANNUALLY, e.g. Benches, Metal Doors, Frames, Traffic Markings, Etcetera
2. Main/entrance/lobbies.
Public Waiting Area(s)
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
(1) Includes: Sweep, Damp Mop, Spray Buff and Dry Mop
3. Circulation Public Space
Hallways - Passageways
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
(1) Includes: Sweep, Damp Mop, Spray Buff and Dry Mop
4. Stairs and landings.
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
(1) Includes: Sweep, Damp Mop, Spray Buff and Dry Mop
5. Elevators/escalators (1).
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
(1) Clean Exposed Surfaces of Treads, Risers and Landings. Polish Bright Metal Surfaces Daily
6. Public toilets.
Jury Assembly Room Toilets
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
7. Employee toilets.
Toilets - Washrooms
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
8. Private toilets.
Jury Diliberation Room Toilet
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
9. Office I.
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(1) Includes: Sweep, Damp Mop, Spray Buff and Dry Mop
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
10. Office II.
Court Clerks,
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
11. Juror Facilities.
Jury Clerk's Office
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
12. Court room areas.
Court Room
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
13. Judges facilities.
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
14. Library facilities.
Librarian's Office
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
(1) Includes: Sweep, Damp Mop, Spray Buff and Dry Mop
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
15. Security facilities I.
Information Stations
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
16. Security facilities II.
Locker Rooms
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
17. Miscellaneous facilities.
Employee Lounge/Lunch Room
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
(1) Includes: Sweep, Damp Mop, Spray Buff and Dry Mop
*Dust - Utilize Treated Cloths/Mops
18. Garage building, parking areas
Turn Off Lights When Appropriate
(A) Clean and Rectify Problem
* Painting - Touch Up As Required; Cycle Painting ANNUALLY, e.g. Benches, Metal Doors, Frames, Traffic Markings, Etcetera
(e) Section II - Maintenance Standards
Facility personnel should perform a complete inspection at least quarterly covering all areas of occupied and unoccupied court space (records storage areas), public areas, grounds, utility systems, equipment and materials storage space.
The primary purpose of the quarterly inspection is to evaluate the physical condition of the facilities and the equipment in order to gain information to establish a progressive maintenance program.
Correction of deficiencies found in the course of the inspection should be limited to emergency and minor items.
The inspection should be scheduled to ensure that each facility will be observed at the most appropriate season, e.g., inspection of lawns and plantings during the growing season and the heating plant just before the heating season.
The structure's interior and envelope can be inspected year round, except for roofs when there is snow. Stagger inspection of the structure throughout the year so that correction of found deficiencies will not fall too far behind inspections.
Inspections of the structure's interior should be completed as far as practicable in one visit.
Mechanical areas and related equipment (pumps, refrigerator units, motors, compressors, heating and air conditioning units should be inspected within reasonable periods of time.
Inspection of items involving health and safety should not be limited to a quarterly basis, but should be made as frequently as necessary to avoid danger to the public and court personnel.
A. Grounds
The entire perimeter of a court facility area should be surveyed systematically paying particular attention to the following: (See Section I - Frequency Cleaning Schedules, Table T-1).
1. Lawns (turf areas)
Establish a formal program of lawn care using the standards of the New York State Department of Parks. Look for density of grass; relative coverage desirable to undesirable growth; bare spots; adequacy of drainage; degree and quality of maintenance, e.g., mowing, watering and fertilizing.
2. Plants (trees, shrubs, hedges and vines)
Look for character of growth; shape and structure; injurious disease and insect infestation; degree and quality of maintenance; e.g. pruning.
3. Paved areas (streets, roads, drives, walks, sitting areas, cut curbs, gutters and traffic markings)
Look for cleanliness; failures in the surface and base; settlement; adequacy of drainage facilities; degree and quality of maintenance and condition of expansion joints.
4. Yard drainage (catch basins, inlets, ditches, pipe lines and swales) Look for flat undrainable or eroded areas; stoppage by rubbish and silt; adequacy as to capacity to meet peak demand; degree and quality of maintenance.
5. Grounds appurtenances (benches, posts, fences, guard rails, railings, lighting, retaining walls steps, flag poles, street signs, handicap signage and related equipment).
Look for worn out, damaged, or missing parts, lack of paint or other surface covering; degree and quality of maintenance and services; corrosion at the ground line of metal posts; rotting of wood members; jagged or sharp edges of posts; branches and twigs protruding over walked areas and hanging at eye level or other hazardous conditions.
B. Snow Removal
(1) Vehicles and related equipment should be in good mechanical
condition, winterized and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's
A. Structures
Maintain a visual inspection of the buildings for evidence of cracks, joint sealant failure, breaks, deterioration, settling, etc. Any indication of any structural problem should be brought to the attention of the municipality immediately. The exterior appearance of structures must be maintained at levels which are indicative of good building management practices.
For garage buildings and parking areas see Sec. I, Frequency Cleaning Schedules T-18.
B. Roofs
The maintenance program should be implemented by semi-annual inspections of all roofs.
C. Hardware (Exterior Doors) Hardware, door-checks and other operating mechanisms of exterior doors should be inspected in the spring and fall. Changes in temperature necessitate adjustment of door checks. Lubrication of components should be carried out on a regular basis. Automatic doors require special services which should be handled by the manufacturer's maintenance organization.
D. Interior of Facility
1. Painting and decorating
Examine walls, ceilings, window sashes, trim, doors, closets and other painted surfaces for flaking, peeling, alligatoring, mold markings, wear, discoloration and dirt. Note any cracking, flaking or other damage in plaster or sheetrock covering of walls and ceilings. Inspect windows and door frames for cracking or missing putty and caulking, tightness and drying. Check doors and windows for proper operation.
The right combination of colors can build efficiency in an office as color can complement lighting, thereby relaxing tensions, improving morale and decreasing absenteeism. Colors should not be distracting or disturbing, as this diverts attention from work. Light pastel colors are generally recommended for interior wall surfaces, but it is preferable to use warm colors for rooms which receive little or no sunlight.
2. Floors
Look at floors noting scars, worn areas, broken or loose tile, torn or worn carpet, condition of linoleum; need to vacuum, shampoo, clean and wax; indentation by furniture, evidence of water under floor covering and condition of baseboards or cove molding.
3. Window shades, blinds, draperies
Examine for damaged and worn shades, cords and tapes; defective springs or mechanisms; broken or missing parts; torn, dirty or missing drapes.
4. Space heating equipment
If heating is by means of radiators or convectors, check for cleanliness and freedom from lint and dust; see that valves and traps are operative and do not leak water and that convector covers are properly anchored.
5. Plumbing fixtures & related hardware
Look for any breakage or chipping; easy and complete closing of faucets leakage; proper level of filling in water closet tanks or time flush valves on commodes and urinals; loose cracked or broken toilet seats.
6. Electrical Wiring
Inspect fuses/circuit breakers to see that they have not been tampered with and are not oversize or overloaded. Check all ceiling lights, switches and outlets for broken cover plates, loose connections, missing screws, etc. Inspect occupant-owned appliances and lamps for any frayed cords, broken plugs, or other potentially hazardous elements, i.e., cords running under carpets or across floor surface.
7. Hardware (Interior doors) Loose and missing lock and passage sets, hinges, panic bar hardware, door silencers, stops are the most overlooked items. The improper chocking open of doors, removal of pins, stops, silencers, screws and strike plates can cause safety hazards and failure of hardware. Loose or missing hardware should be reported immediately.
A. Elevators
Elevator inspection and maintenance requires the services of highly-trained mechanics; control systems of the new automatic elevators require the services of electronic technicians. The condition of floors and sills at landing should be given particular attention, with shafts and pits to be inspected monthly, by the maintenance contractor or a responsible employee. Accumulation of lint on rails, guides or car frame should be removed at once since it constitutes a fire hazard. The same concerns hold for the accumulation of debris in the pits and behind hoistway doors. All elevator cars should be checked periodically to verify that required inspection certificates are posted and up to date.
B. Escalators
Escalators should be checked at the beginning of each day to determine that travel directions are correct and that no hazardous conditions exist. Particular attention should be given to the removable floor panels over the machinery compartments to be sure that no tripping hazards exist.
Escalators should be checked and cleaned each day with particular attention given to handrails, combplates, treads and risers.
A record of accidents which occur on escalators should be maintained. These records should contain all available details pertaining to possible cause and brought to the attention of the escalator manufacturer on a regular basis. A review of accident records may reveal a pattern indicating a need for modification in design or operations.
Air distribution systems must be kept as clean as possible in order to maintain safety and efficiency of operation. Special attention should be given as prescribed below to parts of these systems in order to fulfill that purpose.
A. Inspection and Cleaning of Ducts
Inspection of the ducts should be made in the spring and fall. Cooling and heating coils should be cleaned.
B. Fresh Air Intake
The intakes should be checked at time of duct inspection. Accumulated debris should be removed immediately.
C. Filters
Filters should be inspected, replaced or cleaned in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
The controls for the HVAC, heating and cooling systems should be inspected to ensure proper operation at the beginning of the heating and cooling seasons.
The controls for the HVAC, heating and cooling systems should be calibrated by a qualified professional yearly.
Repairs and replacement of all controls should be done by qualified technical staff.
D. Fire Doors and Dampers
These should be examined at a minimum of once a year.
E. Maintenance of Machine Rooms
Keep machine and equipment rooms painted, clean and free of foreign objects.
F. Power Distribution-Electrical Systems
All electrical installations must be made in compliance with the National Electrical Code or state and local codes, where applicable.
G. Fans and Fan Motors
Fans and fan motors should be inspected at least quarterly and cleaned and lubricated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
H. Lighting Maintenance
Lamps (fluorescent and incandescent) should be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis.
Regular periodic inspections should be carried out to ascertain if any defective or unsafe conditions exist; including, special attention to exterior illumination of buildings, entrance ways, walks and parking areas.
Particular attention should be given to utilizing energy saving fixtures and relamping products.
I. Emergency Lighting and Power System
The emergency lighting and power system is installed to prevent panic and provide maintenance or security in the event of conventional power failure. Emergency systems must be completely dependable by frequent testing.
J. Fire Protection
Scheduled periodic inspections must be made in order to test fire protection equipment. The frequency of these inspections will generally be regulated by either local fire regulations or codes or the requirements of the National Fire Protection and American Insurance Association, whichever is more stringent.
Visual inspection of standpipes, hoses, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and other equipment should be made to assure that they are being maintained, serviced and properly recorded on a timely basis.
Potential or actual fire hazards should be reported as soon as they are discovered.
A. Government Owned Property
Certain equipment maintenance and building services are furnished to the court by private vendors who have contracts with the municipality. It is the responsibility of the municipality to see that prearranged schedules for performance of these services are properly observed and that all work is satisfactorily completed with as little interruption to court processes as possible.
Special attention should be given to the careful wording of the performance specifications, the areas of responsibility and the required examination frequency schedule. The contractor should specify in the contract the type of staffing to be used for the work as well as the extent and method of their supervision. A schedule of costs on a unit basis for any additional services which may be required should be furnished by the contractor. The quality of the materials and equipment to be used on the work should be specified. The cost, method of payment and notice of termination of the agreement should be precisely defined.
Localities should have contract compliance and documentation procedures in place to monitor the level of performance, the quality of achievements, safety and other relevant factors.
B. Leased Space - Privately Owned Property
The following should be incorporated into leases providing space to the Unified Court System:
C. Contractor - Failure to Perform
A penalty clause for the contractor's failure to perform the work should be specific as to the court's rights, e.g.
The contractor agrees that in the event any of the services provided for under the terms of this contract, should in any way be omitted or unsatisfactorily performed by the contractor and/or his employees, the court shall so notify the municipality and the contractor in writing of the deficient services for immediate correction. In the event the contractor does not correct the deficient services after receipt of the written notice to correct, the Office of Court Administration (OCA) shall request that the municipality deduct a percentage, based on the work not performed or performed unsatisfactorily as determined by the provider, from the voucher for their services rendered for that contract period. If the contractor continues to omit contracted services and or performs unsatisfactorily, then the court shall notify the municipality and the contractor to correct the neglected or deficient services within five (5) days from the date of the notice. Should the contractor fail to correct the deficient services, OCA will then arrange with the municipality for the work to be done by another contractor and the cost of such work shall be deducted from any monies due or may become due to the contractor.
The following standards are based on existing energy conservation regulations established by federal, state and local agencies.
Hot water temperature control devices should be set to achieve results not to exceed the greater of the following: 105 degrees F. or the lowest setting on the control device.
The following general illumination levels should be maintained:
50 foot candles
15 foot candles
Storage Areas
10 foot candles
Prolonged or visually difficult tasks
75 foot candles
In specific areas such as court rooms and well areas a higher illumination level is desirable.
A standard air temperature of 78 degrees F. in the summer and 68 degrees F. but not to exceed 75 degrees F. in the winter should be the average room temperatures.
A. Water
Water should be potable for drinking purposes and pure from chemical or metallic elements that are injurious to human health, equipment and plumbing system.
Where practicable, localities should install separate water meters for court facilities which will allow for cost identification and establishment of programs for conservation of water.
B. Electricity
Lighting fixtures and ceilings should be clean to allow for maximum light reflection.
Consideration should be given to providing separate independent light switches for certain rooms and areas which may result in large electrical savings.
A study should be conducted to evaluate the efficiency of older fixtures.
Maximum use should be made of natural light to help reduce the need for additional electrical illumination. Windows should be regularly cleaned to allow for maximum penetration of natural light to save electrical energy.
Localities should consider using the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY) which offers reduced rates to local government.
C. Heating and Air Conditioning - Climate Control
Heating and air conditioning is an important element in the proper operation of a building by providing a reasonable comfort level of environment to users. In addition to electricity, some facilities use gas or oil for heating which also represents a major cost factor in the operation of facilities.
Energy surveys of buildings should be conducted to identify loss of heated or cooled air and to determine corrective actions. Old leaking windows and doors, broken panes, loose caulking, etc. should be repaired.
Municipalities should consider the possibility of installing separate meters or oil tanks to enable identification of costs related only to court facilities.
Historical Note
34.2 Reimbursement for cleaning of court facilities.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to give effect to the provisions of section 39-b of the Judiciary Law.
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the definitions set forth in section 34.1(c) of this Part shall apply. In addition, the following terms shall have the meanings herein provided:
(1) The term court facilities shall mean facilities for the transaction of business by the State-paid courts and court-related agencies of the Unified Court System and the judicial and nonjudicial personnel thereof, including rooms and accommodations for the courts and court-related agencies of the Unified Court System, the judges, justices and the clerical, administrative and other personnel thereof.
(2) The term cleaning of court facilities shall mean those services and activities that are necessary to insure that the interior of each court facility is and remains a clean and healthful environment in which to transact the business of the Unified Court System. These services and activities include, but are not limited to: removal of trash and debris; maintenance of appropriate standards of hygiene; painting; pest control; and replacement of consumable items such as light bulbs, soap, toilet paper and paper toweling. They also shall include the making of minor repairs.
(3) The term minor repairs shall mean such repairs as are required to replace a part, to put together what is torn or broken, or to restore a surface or finish, where such repairs will preserve and/or restore a court facility to full functionality; and shall include only:
(a) painting, carpeting, and other resurfacing of, or finish work related to, or renovation of, the interiors of spaces used by the unified court system and
(b) a uniform percentage of other building maintenance costs, said percentage to be established for each state fiscal year by the chief administrator. The chief administrator may set a different percentage for a particular political subdivision upon a showing that minor repairs constitute a greater percentage of other building maintenance costs in that political subdivsion than the uniform percentage established by the chief administrator.
(4) The term political subdivision shall include each county of the State outside the City of New York and each city of the State.
(c) Contracts with political subdivisions.
(1) Each political subdivision shall enter into a contract with the Unified Court System pursuant to which such political subdivision shall provide for the cleaning of court facilities located therein and the state shall reimburse the political subdivision for its actual expenditures therefor.
(2) Each contract entered hereunder shall require the political subdivision:
(i) to comply with the maintenance and operation standards for court facilities prescribed by section 34.1 of this Part; and
(ii) annually, on a form to be prescribed by the chief administrator of the courts and in accordance with such deadline as he or she may fix, to submit to the chief administrator a proposed itemized budget scheduling those expenditures it projects it will incur during the State fiscal year commencing April 1st next thereafter for the cleaning of its court facilities.
(3) The chief administrator shall review each proposed itemized budget submitted pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subdivision. Following such review, he or she shall notify the political subdivision submitting such budget of the expenditures scheduled therein that have been approved. To the extent practicable, such notification shall be given not later than March 1st preceding commencement of the State fiscal year in which the expenditures are to be incurred.
(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State shall not reimburse a political subdivision for any expenditure during a State fiscal year for the cleaning of its court facilities where:
(i) the need therefor is due to the political subdivisions failure to follow generally accepted preventive maintenance policies and procedures; or
(ii) such expenditure is incurred to pay for cleaning that is undertaken in lieu of replacement of a building system that, in accordance with the political subdivisions normal and usual policies, procedures and practices, should be replaced; or
(iii) such expenditure was not approved for such fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subdivision, unless the need therefor was triggered by a sudden and unexpected failure or by some accident or external force, resulting in a situation that adversely affects the suitability and sufficiency of the court facilities for the dignified transaction of the business of the courts, in which event the State shall reimburse the political subdivision for the amount of the expenditure up to $15,000 (and, notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the political subdivision may include any unreimbursed balance of the expenditure on the proposed itemized budget it submits for the next State fiscal year pursuant to paragraph [2] of this subdivision); or
(iv) pursuant to the laws, rules and regulations to which the political subdivision is subject, and its own normal and usual policies, procedures and practices, such expenditure is being or could be bonded.
(5) Where a political subdivision incurs an expenditure for the cleaning of a court facility that is part of a combined occupancy structure, as that term is defined in section 1676 of the Public Authorities Law, and such cleaning benefits portions of the structure used for purposes not directly or indirectly related to the function of the court facility, the State shall reimburse the political subdivision only for so much of the expenditure as can be attributed to its benefit to the court facility.
Historical Note
Amended 34.02(b)(3) on March 21, 2007
34.3 to 34.7 [Repealed]


text:
While most of us are fussing over the new Samsung Galaxy S III or the HTC One series, MEIZU has released the MX 4-Core. As the name implies, the Android 4.0.3 handset features a quad-core processor – the same 1.4GHz Exynos Cortex A9 chipset found in the European version of the Samsung Galaxy S III. While the insides of the MEIZU MX 4-Core may be in step with the latest and greatest Android phones, the handset design is reminiscent of the iPhone with a single hardware button on the front of the device and a minimalistic flare which brings back memories of the iPhone 3G.
The first thing that stands out with the MEIZU MX 4-Core is its packaging. MEIZU has given the device a premium white box which reflects the handsets sophisticated feel. Inside the box, the phone is enclosed in a small booklet with several heavy pages which highlights the features of the handset. It's definitely a step up from the packaging of most carrier-branded handsets and even puts Samsung and HTC's unlocked handset packaging to shame.
As mentioned before, the MEIZU MX 4-Core's hardware is reminiscent of the iPhone. While most of us at Android and Me are not huge fans of Apple's flagship device, we're sure you can agree that Apple does have a flare for elegant design which isn't often seen on Android phones. The MX 4-Core is a two-toned device with a pure black panel surrounding the screen on the front and a removable white casing which wraps around the sides and back of the device. Underneath the back panel, users have access to the microSIM card, but the 1,700 mAh battery and 32GB of internal storage are not swappable. The MX 4-Core features three buttons (power button long the top edge, volume rocker on the left edge and a raised home which is located below the display. To the left and right of the home button are two capacitive buttons which are accentuated by LED lights which also serve as notification LEDs.
Spec highlights on the MEIZU MX 4-Core include a 4-inch 640×960 display, Exynos 1.4GHz quad-core Cortex A9 processor, 1GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage 8MP camera with BSI sensor, 1080p video recording and a 1700 mAh battery which appears to hold enough of a charge to make it through a day of moderate use. having a good spec sheet is nice, but MEIZU has decided to beef the MX 4-Core up as much as possible by enabling 9 GSM frequency bands on the device (2G 850/900/1800/1900MHz 3G: 850/900/1700/1900/2100MHZ) making other global roaming enabled devices look like play toys. Testing the MEIZU MX 4-Core on T-Mobile and AT&T's HSPA+ networks produced results averaging 1700kbps down with upload speeds reaching 500kbps on a good run.
- Vellamo: 1424
- Quadrant: 5218
- NenaMark2: 58fps
- AnTuTu: 12043
On the performance side, the MEIZU MX 4-Core doesn't disappoint. The 1.4GHz quad-core Exynos Cortex A9 processor is paired with a Mali-400mp GPU, giving the handset enough power to breeze through multiple benchmarks. So far, we've used the MX 4-Core to play Final Fantasy III (which it handled without breaking a sweat), but we'll do our best to find a few games to push it to its limits for our full review.
Though the look of the phone may be iPhone-ish, the MEIZU MX 4-Core is an Android device with its own unique personality. The MX 4-Core is the first device in MEIZU's lineup to run Flyme, a custom skin which deviates significantly from stock Android. Those of you familiar with MIUI will notice a few similarities between the two UI's since both do away with the application drawer and force users to actively manage and organize their applications within folders on multiple home screen panels. Having used MIUI ROMs on my T-Mobile G2 for nearly a year, the Flyme UI on the MEIZU MX 4-Core has not presented too many challenges for me.
The one quirk about the MX 4-Core which is taking a while to get used to is the 4-inch 640×960 display. The resolution and viewing angles are amazing, but the 14×9 aspect ratio just feels odd since most high-end Android devices have been using 16×9 setups for a few years now.
So far, the MEIZU MX 4-Core has been an impressive device. The quad-core Exynos processor keeps the OS nice and snappy, and network connectivity's fast and reliable on AT&T and T-Mobile. The MEIZU MX 4-Core may not be on most consumer's radars, but it can certainly keep up with the latest flagship devices from HTC and Samsung. If you have any questions about something I didn't cover, feel free to ask in the comments. I'll hopefully be getting around to a full review of the MEIZU MX 4-Core in the next few weeks.
Would any of you consider buying the MX 4-Core?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Croatian Reality Star Says Nose Job Left Him with Permanent Erection Side-Effect
A Croatian stylist and reality TV star says he suffered an odd side-effect after undergoing a nose job: A permanent erection, according to The Daily Mail.
Neven Ciganovic, 45, was being filmed for a documentary at the time he discovered the anesthetic he was given during the procedure triggered his the painful condition.
"I was in Iran for rhinoplasty for the documentary film which is covering my life," he explained to The Daily Mail. "[During the surgery] I was given general anesthesia and I reacted badly to it."
Ciganovic said he was diagnosed with priapism - an unwanted and long-lasting erection that is extremely painful and not caused by sexual stimulation - during the procedure. The Daily Mail writes if priapism isn't treated within 24 hours, the penis can be preeminently damaged and could cause erectile dysfunction.
The stylist said he recovered in a hospital in Belgrade, Serbia but he refused painkillers.
"I've resided in Belgrade hospital since Friday," Ciganovic told the newspaper. "Unfortunately, I did not receive analgesics because they do not give them to patients here, so I continue to suffer. I have to be at the hospital for a further five days."
He added he underwent another operation to help relieve his priapism and that it'll take a number of months before he returns to normal.
The Daily Mail reports Ciganovic has gone under more than a dozen plastic surgeries, including three nose jobs as well as procedures for his lips, stomach and chin. He said his latest nose job was to correct his septum will help him become a star.
"I'm looking forward to a movie about myself," Ciganovic explained. "The film crew dedicated a whole episode about me. I think this is a big deal and I hope this is the start of my international career."


text: Every dude like to have a wild massage every so often, right? This Asian woman called Ms. Ka Lee has mind blowing mouth and handjob skills. This babe takes her client back into her room and doesn't waste any time having him get undressed and pouring hot body oil all over his physique. Lee got the okay to continue with her freaky massage and she hoped onto the massaging table. After she got up there she started sucking his pecker until she got it totally erected. She moves her tight Asian coochie right onto that erected penis and began ramming it like a true pro. If you liked this update, then watch this video and a lot more on HAPPY TUGS.COM.


text:
Press Release 130/2013
4 June 2013
At the invitation of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia, Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja will attend the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), which takes place on 5–6 June 2013 in Kaliningrad. Russia has held the Presidency of the CBSS for the past year.
Finland assumes Presidency of the Council at the beginning of July. The Council of the Baltic Sea States has an important role in high-level policy discussions on regional issues.
In addition to matters pertaining to the Baltic Sea region, the agenda of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kaliningrad includes topical foreign policy issues. Foreign Minister Tuomioja will present the objectives of the forthcoming Finnish Presidency at the meeting.
Russia hosts the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Kaliningrad Region, the development of which has been one priority of Russia's Presidency of the Council.
Established in 1992, the Council of the Baltic Sea States holds the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in alternate years with the Prime Ministers' Meeting. At the end of the Finnish Presidency, a CBSS Summit will be organised at the beginning of June 2014.
Additional information: Tarja Kantola, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 40 590 4119, and Ambassador Satu Mattila, Unit for Regional Cooperation/CBSS Presidency, tel. +358 9 160 351 7391
Updated 6/4/2013


text: The Atomic Alps Fleece Vest M is a slim-fit vest for everyday wear – whether that's up the mountain or in town. It's part of our new Alps Line – a special range of skiwear, logo and headwear designed at Atomic HQ in the heart of the Austrian Alps and inspired by the style of our top pro athletes. It's got a front zip, front pocket, hand pockets and comes in a range of colors with contrasting colored zips.


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Editor's note: William J. Bennett, a CNN contributor, is the author of the newly published "The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood." Bennett is the Washington fellow of the Claremont Institute. He was U.S. secretary of education from 1985 to 1988 and was director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President George H.W. Bush.
(CNN) -- College football is in a real institutional identity crisis. The range of reactions to the Penn State scandal, from Penn State University itself to the NCAA to the American people, tells us that we don't know what college football is or what it should be.
Penn State University is confused. Mostly, it has reacted strongly and rightly, but it has not cleaned house. Joe Paterno, Graham Spanier and others are gone, but should Mike McQueary stay, and were there others on the Penn State coaching staff who were aware of Jerry Sandusky's alleged actions? And many other questions remain: Why weren't police immediately involved? How did this stay covered up for so long?
The NCAA's response has been little better. NCAA President Mark Emmert released a statement last week, saying, "The NCAA will defer in the immediate term to law enforcement officials since this situation involved alleged crimes. ... To be clear, civil and criminal law will always take precedence over Association rules." While perhaps technically correct, the victims, as well as the college football community, deserve more of a response than this.
The American people are outraged, and rightfully so. It looks like the work of a monster (who still says he is not guilty) destroyed the lives of innocent children. He has forever tarnished the reputation of former and future Penn State students, athletes and coaches. This is the worst scandal in the history of college football. For it not to receive the worst punishment would be unjust.
The college football "death penalty" (the NCAA's punishment that bans a school from participating in a sport for at least a year) has been given to only one football program, ever: Southern Methodist University in the 1987-88 season for numerous NCAA violations involving paying athletes under the table.
SMU's actions pale in comparison with what occurred at Penn State. But under NCAA rules, the criminal actions of a few men are not necessarily NCAA rules violations. The NCAA decides where criminal laws overlap with its rules. And so, from a legal standpoint, it's possible that the Penn State football program will escape with less of a punishment than SMU.
How the NCAA answers these questions may affect the future of college football. As is the case with so many recent college sports scandals, the events at Penn State call into question the effects of big money on the inside workings of college sports. Penn State football is a business -- an enormously profitable one, raking in more than $70 million a year. Joe Paterno's salary alone was about $1 million annually. Penn State profits immensely from the success of its football program on the backs of unpaid amateur athletes. In many of these scandals, the players, often innocent and unprotected, are hurt the most, while the insulated, tight-lipped higher-ups of college boards and athletic programs fall back on their salaries and pensions.
I say this as a longtime fan and admirer of college football, not an opportunistic critic. There are many big-money programs that are scandal free, like the University of Texas, the largest college football revenue generator in the country. Many big programs can navigate ethically because of their moral compasses. Similarly, many coaches and players never have ethical issues, and they should be applauded. But I'm concerned about where the sport is headed.
If college football is truly the amateur athletics wing of educational institutions, then these multimillion-dollar programs should be transparent and accountable. A student's athletic performance should be tied to his academic achievement; tighter age and eligibility restrictions should be implemented.
In another fitting example, Yale quarterback Patrick Witt recently chose to play this Saturday in the Harvard-Yale game rather than attend his Rhodes scholarship interview, which happens to fall on the same day. Witt is free to choose of his liking, but he will forfeit the chance to win a Rhodes scholarship this year. The NCAA has remained silent about this, a clear opportunity to support or help a real student-athlete.
Or college football can go the other way. If the NCAA manages college football like a professional, for-profit enterprise, the players should be treated likewise. While revenues to college football have skyrocketed, benefits to players have not. Players can't work jobs outside of football, but their school can sell their jersey for profits that they never see.
Should these players accept gifts or contributions, the penalties can be more severe than what the NCAA could level on Penn State. Perhaps it's time for an open and honest debate about giving stipends, living expenses and even salaries to college football players. Incentives could be in place that encourage players to follow NCAA guidelines while rewarding them for their performance.
The NCAA's shortcomings are not to blame for the alleged actions of Jerry Sandusky. However, the NCAA system sometimes fosters closed-door, insulated, big-money administrations whose best interest is at times to sweep scandals under the rug and protect its own. It's time for change.
College football should decide what it really is. Is it an amateur undertaking, subordinate to and supportive of education? Or is it a farm system for the professional leagues? Maybe it's time it made up its mind.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of William J. Bennett.


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Thanks so much for spending your time at Just Keep on Creating. Now, stop reading and get creating :)
The frequent creators club
Thanks so much for spending your time at Just Keep on Creating. Now, stop reading and get creating :)
7 comments:
It is so refreshing to come across a site that you can just put up what you create and not have a strict guideline to follow. I will definitely be doing this one each month. Thank you for all your efforts. AngexxxoooReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks so much for leaving this lovely comment. Yep, just keep on creating is about sharing and staying motivsted about crafting. We all have so much we can learn from each other, I am looking forward to you sharing your work ☺Delete
Such a beautiful story!! Thank you for keeping it real...now back to my craft projects!ReplyDelete
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What a gift your father left you...ReplyDelete
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Thanks for encouraging handmade.ReplyDelete
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|A La Cart
|Sarah Goldfinger,
Richard Catalani
|Richard J. Lewis
|Original Airdate
|October 4, 2007
|Previous Episode: Dead Doll
|Next Episode: Go to Hell
A La Cart is the second episode in the eighth season of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
The CSIs investigate the death of a go-cart driver whose football helmet-wearing head is found on a highway and the murder of a mens' magazine owner at a restaurant where patrons dine in complete darkness. Meanwhile, Grissom and Sara face repercussions for their relationship.
A football helmet with a boy's head in it is found on the road. The CSIs follow the blood trail and find the rest of his decapitated body farther on down the road. The boy is identified as Vincent Bartley; his older brother, Matt, tells the CSIs his younger brother wasn't on the football team. Black powder in Vincent's hair is found to be tire rubber trace, specifically the kind used in go-cart wheels. A staffer at the go cart recreation center tells Greg that Vincent was there racing another kid a few days ago, and she identifies the other boy as Rodney Banks. Rodney tries to run, but Nick catches him. Greg finds a bloody belt belonging to Vincent in the back of Rodney's truck. Rodney tells the CSIs he asked for an off course cart race at night. They took to the road and Rodney won, but when he looked back, he saw Vincent in the cart--without his head. When Vincent's car ran off the road, Rodney used the boy's belt to tow his cart back to the rec center. Nick and Warrick use a dummy to figure out if Vincent could have been decapitated by a truck as he rode, and determine that this was what must have happened to the boy.
Catherine, Warrick and Brass investigate the death of Hampton Huxley, the publisher of Hux magazine, who was dining in a unique restaurant with two of his "Kitties." The restaurant, owned by Pippa Sanchez, centers around "blind dining": patrons literally dine in the dark. Someone took advantage of the restaurant's ambiance to kill Hux. Dr. Robbins finds a pen point in Hux's brain, revealing that Hux was killed by a fatal strike to the head. Brass and the CSIs question the two Kitties April and Shasta, a newly engaged couple and a sleazy guy who felt up April, but are at a loss until they find the murder weapon in April's purse. April maintains her innocence and the CSIs suspicions turn to Pippa, whom they learn is a former Kitty--until they find the print of a blind waiter named Michael on Hux's toupee. Michael confesses that Pippa used him to help create the restaurant and then cast him aside, so he decided to ruin her by framing her for a high profile murder. Grissom and Sara run into trouble of their own when Ecklie questions them about their relationship and tells them that a relationship between a supervisor and an employee is forbidden. Sara switches to the swing shift to avoid a conflict of interest.
Main Cast
- William Petersen as Gil Grissom
- Marg Helgenberger as Catherine Willows
- Gary Dourdan as Warrick Brown
- George Eads as Nick Stokes
- Jorja Fox as Sara Sidle
- Eric Szmanda as Greg Sanders
- Robert David Hall as Dr. Al Robbins
- Wallace Langham as David Hodges
- Paul Guilfoyle as Jim Brass
Guest Cast
- Marc Vann as Conrad Ecklie
- Sheeri Rappaport as Mandy Webster
- David Berman as David Phillips
- Karina Lombard as Pippa Sanchez
- Neil Jackson as Michael, the Waiter
- John Ross Bowie as Peter Ellis
- Melanie Paxson as Nancy Katz
- Danneel Ackles as Shasta McCloud
- Tyler Kain as April
- Brando Eaton as Rodney 'Hot Rod' Banks
- Michael Olifiers as A Menducci Brother
- Darris Love as Ezekiel Holstein
- Mary Gordon Murray as Mrs. Nivens
- Ken Lerner as Mr. Nivens
- Jake McLaughlin as Matt Bartley
- William Wellman Jr. as Hampton Huxley
- Nathan Halliday as Vincent Bartley
- Al Pugliese as Benny Manducci
- Matthew Dowling as Tommy Manducci
- Natalie Graziano as Jan Roven (uncredited)
- Rebekah Shriver as Officer Moreno (uncredited)
See Also
- List of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episodes
- CSI:Crime Scene Investigation Season 8
- Category:Images from A La Cart
|CSI:Las Vegas Season 8
|Dead Doll • A La Cart • Go to Hell • The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp • The Chick Chop Flick Shop • Who and What • Where and Why • Goodbye and Good Luck • You Kill Me • Cockroaches • Lying Down With Dogs • Bull • Grissom's Divine Comedy • A Thousand Days On Earth • Drops Out • The Theory of Everything • Two And A Half Deaths • For Gedda


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After heightened complaints about how the Barrow County Animal Shelter is run, the county manager has asked the shelter's former director to spend six weeks evaluating its operations.
"I have asked Jimmy Terrell to come back to the County on a part-time basis and to assess the Animal Control operation," said Jock Connell in an email to the Barrow Journal on March 11. "Jimmy has agreed to do this and his first day is today."
For the full story, see the March 20 issue of the Barrow Journal.
Animal shelter to get county review
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The History of (American) HealthJul 11 2012
Health is both a public and a private concern. Get your students considering the history of health with these resources! [...] »
Resources for Independence DayJun 29 2012
Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July instead of the Second of July? Teach the context of the Declaration of Independence with these resources! [...] »
Introducing Teachinghistory.org MobileJun 27 2012
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Jennifer Orr Wins ISTE Kay L. Bitter Vision AwardJun 25 2012
Congratulations to Teachinghistory.org writer Jennifer Orr, winner of the 2012 Kay L. Bitter Vision Award for Excellence in Technology-Based PK-12 Education! [...] »
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Search the 1940 census for a personal link to history, with these guidelines from educator Alex Stein. [...] »
Teaching History with ArchaeologyJun 20 2012
Teach your students to "think archaeologically" as well as historically! [...] »
Resources for Flag DayJun 7 2012
Flag Day may not fall during the school year for many, but Flag Day resources are valuable all year long. [...] »
Jeremiah McCall on Historical Problem SpacesJun 4 2012
Students solve "problem spaces" when they play video games. Apply "problem space" thinking to studying history! [...] »
Jennifer Orr on Experiencing History: A Visit to the Parson Weems HouseMay 28 2012
First-grade teacher Jennifer Orr asks her own history questions when she visits a historic house. [...] »
Joe Jelen on Political Cartoons 2.0May 21 2012
Find, analyze, and create political cartoons that address any issue in U.S. history! [...] »


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2005 Outdoor Championships: Day
2005 Outdoor Championships: Day FourJune 11, 2005
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Arkansas sophomore Wallace Spearmon sprinted away from an outstanding field to defend his 200-meter title in a world-leading 19.91 seconds Saturday night at the NCAA track and field championships, then announced he was turning pro.
The Arkansas men won their third consecutive team championship. Texas clinched the women's title with a victory in the final event, the 1,600 relay.
At dusk, as the final day of competition came to an end at Sacramento State's Hornet Stadium, LSU set a collegiate record at 2:59.59 in the men's 1,600 relay. The quartet of Bennie Brazell, Xavier Carter, Reginald Dardar and Kelly Willie broke the collegiate and meet record of 2:59.91 set by UCLA in 1988.
There also were meet and collegiate record performances by Florida sophomore Kerron Clement in the 400 hurdles and UCLA's Monique Henderson in the 400, along with a meet record by UCLA's Candice Baucham in the triple jump.
All eyes were on the 200, though, which featured sprinters with the top three times in the world this year.
Spearmon, running with a sore right knee, pulled ahead on the final turn and outran the competition from there, losing his balance and tumbling to the track after crossing the finish line.
He bounced back to his feet to celebrate the 1-3 Arkansas finish in the race that clinched the Razorbacks' 41st NCAA track or cross country championship under coach John McDonnell.
Carter, a freshman on a football scholarship at LSU, was second in 20.08 and Arkansas senior Tyson Gay third at 20.16.
``I knew whoever won would have to run fast,'' Spearmon said. ``You have the top three times going in.''
Spearmon's time eclisped Gay's 19.93 in Friday night's semifinals as the world's fastest 200 this year.
Spearmon said he had spoken with McDonnell and sprints coach Lance Brauman, as well as his family, before making his decision to run for money.
``I got their blessings,'' Spearmon said. ``I love Coach McDonnell, but we got to eat, too.''
The Arkansas men finished with 60 points to win their 12th outdoor title _ 11th in the last 14 years. Florida was second with 49, followed by LSU with 36.
``I think it's probably one of the top three teams we've ever had,'' McDonnell said. ``We've had some great teams _ back in 1985 and '94-95. This team ranks up with those guys.''
Texas, winning its third NCAA women's track title and first since 1999, had 55 points. South Carolina and UCLA tied for second with 48.
The triumph was a personal one, too, for Texas coach Bev Kearney, who lost all feeling and motor skills below the waist in a car crashed that killed two of her friends in 2002. She vowed to walk again, and after three years of exhausting rehabilitation, she gets around with only a cane.
``This makes it all the more sweeter,'' Kearney said. ``With the personal things that I had to overcome and the losses we suffered a year ago, and coming here with only seven people, knowing that we had very little room for error. We just kept believing it was possible.''
UCLA scored 32 points Saturday, including Baucham's triple jump victory at 46 feet, 2 inches that broke the meet mark of 14-6 3/4 set by Sheila Hudson of California in 1990. The Bruins' big finish came even though Chelsea Johnson, the defending champion and collegiate record holder in the pole vault, failed to make the finals.
Clement, a 19-year-old sophomore who also is turning professional, repeated as 400 hurdles champion in a meet-record 47.56 seconds, the world's fastest time this year. He broke the meet mark of 47.85 set 17 years ago by Kevin Young of UCLA.
Clement, who set the world indoor 400 record at the NCAAs in March, trailed Bennie Brazell over the last hurdle, but ran him down at the finish. Brazell finished in 47.67.
Henderson and Darold Williamson of Baylor capped their college careers with victories at 400 meters.
Williamson and Henderson had Olympic gold medals as part of the winning 1,600 relay teams in Athens, but neither had won an NCAA title until their final chance Saturday.
Henderson blew away her competition from the start with a meet-record 50.10 seconds, breaking the mark of 50.18, set by Pauline Davis of Alabama at altitude in Provo, Utah, in 1989.
``That was the first thought I had in my mind: Finally, it's over,'' Henderson said.
Henderson had the fifth-fastest collegiate time in the event's history. She was clocked in a sizzling 23.5 seconds through 200 meters, then felt a twinge in her hamstring.
``I just sucked it up and kept moving,'' she said, ``and said, `If I hurt myself, I'm going to hurt myself running fast.'''
Williamson, who joins a list of Baylor 400 champions that includes Michael Johnson and Jeremy Wariner, held off Jamel Ashley of Mississippi State to win in 44.51 seconds. The only faster 400 in the world this year was Williamson's 44.27 in the semifinals Friday night. Ashley was second in 44.75.
After finishing sixth at the NCAAs last year, with his teammate Wariner winning, Williamson has had sensational senior season. He has two victories over his good friend Wariner, the Olympic gold medalist who turned pro after last season.
``That's what I came back to Baylor for, I guess to prove my worth,'' Williamson said. ``This is only the beginning for me. Most people know me for the relays. I wanted to prove to everybody that I could run an individual race.''
The closest race of the night was the women's 200, where Sheri-Ann Brooks of Florida International edged freshman Shalonda Solomon of South Carolina by a hundredth of a second, 22.85 to 22.86.


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Playing for Keeps
Playing for Keeps is the kind of movie that broadcasts its message, and even its ending, from the very trailer. There are plenty of movies whose stories where the end is apparent Lincoln, for instance. The pleasure is getting there. But in Playing for Keeps, there is little pleasure found in connecting the dots. Even though it only runs 106 minutes, it feels much, much longer.
Gerard Butler plays George, a former soccer player whose career is in the toilet, moves to Virginia to be nearer to his son and ex-wife Stacie (Jessica Biel). There, he reluctantly takes on the responsibility of coaching his son's soccer team. It would be impossible not to know that our dashing but irresponsible absentee dad will reconnect with his sensible ex before she marries her square fiancee. In the interim, George sleeps with all the horny divorced ladies who swoon over his talent for working with kids. There are no real consequences; anything that could possibly go wrong doesn't.
There are so many guns waiting to go off that Chekhov would pull his own beard out. Playing for Keeps is a souped up Lifetime movie, except there's no over-the-top drama, just one or two shots of Gerard Butler shirtless and sex that's merely implied and alluded to. At one point, I wondered if (okay, hoped that maybe) a character would perhaps have a car accident and die because they were upset and driving in the rain. No, nothing that exciting and silly could happen. Playing for Keeps is so by-the-numbers that it's almost offensive.
What does work in the movie's favor is the touch just a touch of chemistry between its leads. Even though there is 15 years between them in real life, they've attempted to meet halfway by putting highlights in Butler's hair and dying Biel's dark brown and dressing her in casual suburban mom clothes. Still, there's a little something between them that makes their sappy scenes together a little touching. That grin works on her after all these years for a reason.
The rest of the ensemble Judy Greer, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Uma Thurman, and Dennis Quaid are wildly uneven, though not necessarily miscast. A more fleshed-out script would have allowed the characters some dimension and given the movie at least a little more bite despite the rote premise. Greer as a naturally weird sense of humor, but her character is left flailing as a newly divorced soccer mom who gets her groove back with George. Zeta-Jones is a sexy, possibly dangerous soccer mom who helps George snag a professional opportunity, but her character is ultimately harmless. Quaid is supposed to be some sort of jealous, sleazy, drunk rich guy who would be the type to pull a gun on someone but doesn't, and Thurman, as his wife, comes on like a dippy rich housewife instead of channeling the biting bad ass-itude we know she's capable of. As a character, George is confusing; it's as if he doesn't even want to sleep with all of the soccer moms, but they're just throwing themselves at him and he's hapless to stop them. It's gross and doesn't even fulfill the movie's underlying promise, which is to give its target audience a good dose of Harlequin-style romance with Gerard Butler. Guess those soccer shorts will just have to do.
Hollywood.com rated this film 2 stars.